Mini 1012 memory speed - shame on you, Dell!

Before you make ungrounded accusations about what Dell may have done, you might want to check the facts.  This netbook uses an Intel chipset  (more accurately, the CPU itself, since the memory controller is on the CPU) incapable of running RAM at 800 MHz, so it's not Dell that built in the limitation, but Intel.  And all other netbooks that use the same Intel chip/set have the same limitation.

As for your belief, how do you know computer engineering better than Intel? What's to say Intel didn't keep the speed lower to reduce RF emissions so the systems could be sold worldwide, along with reduce heat production and increase battery life?

Well-grounded opinions are fine to express.  Faulty ones based on ridiculous accusations based on nothing other than a cursory, biased assessment of a situation are just plain ridiculous.

Understand the technology BEFORE you spout.

How much less false could it be than this?

"1GB,DDR2,800MHZ capped at 667Mhz bus"

It's right here:

http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/notebooks/inspiron-1012/pd.aspx?refid=inspiron-1012&s=dhs&cs=19&~oid=us~en~29~laptop-inspiron-10_anav1~~

You're the one who selectively read the specifications, jumping to a faulty conclusion based on a cursory, selective reading.

...and here is their press release.

http://content.dell.com/us/en/corp/d/press-releases/2009-12-21-dell-updates-inspiron-mini-10.aspx

...and here are 2 links to PDF's they distributed to resellers (I'm not going to surf for more - they're out there though).

http://c.mygofer.com/assets/misc/664885_0_20100216165037164.pdf

http://i.walmart.com/i/rb/0088411603338.pdf

Yes, I see the specs on the Mini1012 specs page. That doesn't erase the fact that Dell also released information to the contrary. Hopefully, someone who has the clout to make changes to what is being advertised, will.

If you're not happy with your new system -- as it seems you are not -- you have 21 days from shipment to return it for a refund minus a restock charge.

However, note that any other netbook you buy with this CPU will have the same limitation on memory speed.

mygofer.com ???  seriously?   you have got to be kidding

while that PDF file may be on Walmart's webserver I don't find it linked on the actual webpage for the 1012 located at

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Dell-10.1-Inspiron-Mini-1012-Netbook-PC-with-Intel-Atom-Processor-Windows-7-Home-Starter/13378316#Specifications

and it clearly states 667MHz Front Side Bus

as for the Dell press release, a press release is just that  a press release

things change between when a press release goes out and to when the product goes into wide availability; think of it as a commercial

it happens with many things not just computers

the Dell website order page is what YOU should pay ATTENTION to

...not sure where you got that walmart link from. I just went to walmart.com, ran a search for mini 1012, and hit the first link the search returns (the one for $298). Also, front side bus speed means nothing in relation to memory speed - more often then not memory will run on a FSB multiplier other than 1:1.

The PDF I am refering to is just under the specs you are pointing out. It's the link in the sentence -  "To see the manufacturer's specifications for this product, click here."

LOL...sorry, should have said that FSB is not the only factor in determining memory speed. It is 50% of the equation though so I guess thats a little more than nothing.

However, your suggestion that '667Mhz front side bus' means that the memory is also running at 667Mhz is untrue.

Also, front side bus speed means nothing in relation to memory speed - more often then not memory will run on a FSB multiplier other than 1:1.

Huh?????  Means "nothing" ?????       Are you making up your own rules as you go ???  Seems like it.

The memory is running at 333 MHz.  DDR means just that - double data rate.The effective bandwidth is twice that.

The memory is by far not the bottleneck in this system -- the Atom CPU is relatively underpowered, and the video controller is weak.  This is not a notebook computer - it's a netbook.  It's designed for internet browsing and office applications, neither of which will benefit from 400 MHz RAM.

I get what the OP is trying to say. I too was a little puzzled as to why they bothered putting a 800mhz PC6400 stick in there instead of a PC5300 stick. It doesn't make much sense. I could see it being a little misleading to the computer newbies.